Does your dog love to run? AKC Fast CAT is a popular and fast-paced dog sport for dogs of all sizes. In Fast CAT competitions, dogs run a timed 100-yard dash chasing a lure, which is a plastic bag on a fast-moving line to encourage the dog to run quickly.
To get started in this sport, all you need is a healthy, adult dog who is comfortable being in proximity to dogs and people and loves to run. Because there are no significant training requirements to get started, Fast CAT is an ideal sport to get your active dog involved in. Most dogs take to Fast CAT right away because running is so fun for them.
If you’ve already done a few Fast CAT runs with your dog, here are tips for taking your game to the next level.
Benefits of Fast CAT
Fast CAT provides great exercise for dogs, making it a great sport for high-energy dogs. Because there is minimal training necessary for getting started with Fast CAT, the sport is a fun way to get involved with dog sports for both dogs and people. Plus, Fast CAT isn’t just fun for your dog — it also can help you make friends by building community with other dog enthusiasts. These connections are a great way to get more involved with your local dog clubs.
Try Competing in Fast CAT
If you have a dog that’s registered with the AKC, is in good physical condition, and loves to run, you’re ready to enter them in Fast CAT competitions near you. If your dog is comfortable being around groups of dogs, you could enter your first show to see how your dog enjoys Fast CAT. By giving competing a try, you’ll also get an idea of if there are any aspects of the sport your dog needs help with.
Enjoy Fast CAT Training at Home
Are you already competing in Fast CAT and looking to bring your dog’s skills to the next level? There is training that you can do at home which can help improve your dog’s Fast CAT performance at your next competition. In Fast CAT, someone releases the dog to chase the lure, then they’re caught by their handler at the end of a 100-yard dash. Most dog owners choose to be at the end of the run to “catch” their dog. While many dogs take to this routine naturally, some dogs who are sensitive or are less comfortable being touched can struggle with being held by someone who is not their owner. For these dogs, practice at home can help them to feel more comfortable being handled at the competition. Have a friend practice holding your dog while giving praise and treats. This can also help your dog be less likely to slow down while being released and get your dog closer to being in the AKC Fast CAT rankings.
While at an event, there will be lots of dogs walking around, and at Fast CAT dogs are often barking and excited waiting their turn to run. To help improve your dog’s Fast CAT performance, spend time at home focusing on keeping your dog’s attention on you when there are distractions. You can simulate the crowds of a Fast CAT competition by training in dog friendly stores, busy parks, and at local dog training facilities.
Taking Fast CAT Classes
If you have a dog who gets distracted while running or struggles to gain speed, it can be helpful to work with a local trainer. While it’s unusual to find actual Fast CAT classes, many local dog trainers and dog training clubs will host practice Fast CAT runs. These are opportunities where your dog can practice being released and running to follow the lure. Especially for dogs with a lower prey drive who might not take to chasing the lure right away, these practice sessions can be helpful for building your dog’s confidence, which will naturally increase their speed with Fast CAT.
Although most dogs enjoy running, it’s important to remember that Fast CAT is a high impact sport which can be physically demanding. If you’re going to get more involved with Fast CAT, it’s important to keep your dog in the best physical shape possible. Ensuring your dog is well-conditioned can help avoid injuries while competing. Attending AKC FIT DOG events and classes with your dog can give you the skills to create an individualized fitness plan for your dog that you can utilize for preparing your dog for upcoming Fast CAT events. You can also use these fitness skills to help your dog warm up on the day of competitions to get them prepared to run their fastest.
Other Sports That Use Your Fast CAT Skills
If you and your dog love Fast CAT, there are many other sports you can get involved with. If your dog enjoys Fast CAT, consider giving Coursing Ability Tests (CAT) a try. CAT uses similar skills as Fast CAT, but in this sport, dogs individually chase a lure either 300 or 600 yards, depending on the course. Like Fast CAT, all breeds can be successful in CAT, not just sighthounds. Dogs who enjoy Fast CAT can also excel in a variety of other dog sports, including Agility, Diving Dogs, and Flyball, which use many of the same athletic skills your dog has already developed in Fast CAT.